A Bloomberg reportsuggests that Apple is exploring options for replacing the Intel microprocessors in its traditional PC lines -- iMac, MacBook, Mac mini, and Mac Pro -- with its own chip designs. The idea is not all that speculative especially when this sort of pondering goes back to the original iPad launch and the introduction of the A4 chip that powered it.

The sources cited by Bloomberg suggest that a switch from Intel is inevitable. I think it’s a chicken and egg story. While there’s no denying the success of the AX processors and the growing confidence of the Apple semiconductor team, there are also clear signs that the mobile and desktop operating systems and user experiences are converging. If iOS and OS X get close enough, the switch to an in-house design will not be worth a headline, even if it is an Apple announcement.